Cucumber Au Gratin
Creamy cucumber au gratin combines tender sliced cucumbers with a cheesy, flavorful sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and baked to perfection—an elegant side dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook cucumbers in just enough salted, boiling water to cover for 5 minutes; drain well.
- Melt butter in a saucepan; add flour, stirring until blended.
- Gradually add milk, cooking and stirring until smooth.
- Add bouillon cube to the mixture.
- Add grated onion; stir until dissolved. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add grated cheese; simmer, stirring constantly until melted.
- Add cooked cucumbers; pour into a greased small casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes until brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. If you're short on time, use pre-sliced cucumbers or even frozen ones, just ensure they're well-drained. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. Consider trying different cheese varieties like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Cucumber Au Gratin pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a light salad for a balanced meal. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete dinner, consider offering a dessert like Cherry, Strawberry Or Blueberry Cheese Cake to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Au Gratin contains roughly 968 calories, with 12g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1969mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it well. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for general grated cheese, a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives a great flavor and texture. You can also experiment with cheeses like Parmesan for a nuttier taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your bouillon cube is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easily adaptable.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).